Housing help please

I recently accepted a position at Dell Seton Medical Center. I'm not from Austin, but I've been a few times over the last few years. I'm going to be out there soon to do my physical/drug screen so I've been looking online for places to live and trying to narrow it down so when I'm there I can check some out in person. For people that live in the area or used to maybe, what are some areas east, west etc. in Austin you might suggest? There seem to be tons of places with all kinds of price ranges. Also, I know traffic is bad, but is it worse heading north, south etc? Being I'm not from the area I'm not sure how that might impact daily travel. Two years ago I lived 8 miles from my hospital is it took 45 minutes to get there so I know simply looking at mileage on a map doesn't mean anything lol. I'll be nights so rush hour is always a consideration. If anyone has any helpful information, options, ideas I would appreciate that very much. Thanks!